Creative Hiding Places for Christmas Presents: Protecting the Magic

Many parents are faced with the delightful challenge of hiding Christmas presents from their curious children, ensuring that the joy and surprise of opening them on Christmas morning remain intact. Here, we explore tried and true methods, as shared by parents, along with some unconventional ideas, to help keep the magic alive.

Conventional Hiding Spots

Traditional hiding spots such as the closet or under the bed are often the first places children check. However, experienced parents have devised other ingenious spots to safeguard their presents.

For example, one parent shared, 'I would put them in the dark large trash bags after I bought them then put the trash bags with my holiday decoration containers. When I wrapped them, I would put the wrapped gifts in my empty Christmas decoration containers. Each kid had their own container. Large items I used the dark trash bags tied up real tight and added to my containers of decorations. They never found their presents.'

Outside the Home

For those without hidden areas within their homes, outdoor locations can be effective. One parent mentioned, 'The best place to hide Christmas presents from curious kids, other than the obvious places like the closet or under the bed, is in the trunk of the car at someone else's house or in the crawl space in the ceiling. Try and think of an out-of-the-way place where people rarely go then hide it inside behind or under something big.'

Work and Shared Spaces

Another common solution is to hide presents at a neighbor's house, especially important in smaller or office-based households. One shared their experience: 'My parents used to hide gifts at my father's work neighbors' house and in their room which was off-limits. In the office, when they had young kids, most of the folks kept gifts in the trunk of their car. That way, there was no way the kids could find them while their parents were away.'

Attic and Grandma's House

For those with attic space or a close family member, the attic can be a secure hiding spot. As one parent recalled, 'Growing up in the age before SUVs and minivans, my mother always hid our presents in the trunk of her car. That way there was no way we could find them while she was gone. We had no idea until we were adults. Alternatively, one could store gifts at their mom's place. My husband would go to my mother's to get the presents on Christmas Eve when we were all asleep. It was great to store gifts there and even to put toys together.'

Conclusion

While hiding Christmas presents can be a complex task, with a little creativity and planning, you can ensure the joy of the holidays remains intact. Whether it's in a dark trash bag in a closet, the trunk of a car, or under the bed at a neighbor's house, the key is to find a spot that is out of reach and rarely noticed. These methods help preserve the magic of Christmas, making it a cherished memory for the entire family.